U.S. patent application number 10/870026 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for method and apparatus for retaining screws in a plate.
Invention is credited to Farris, Robert A., Gause, Larry, Haid, Regis W. JR., Kalfas, Iain, Lindemann, Gary S., Papadopoulos, Steve, Sasso, Rick, Sonntag, Volker, Traynelis, Vince.
Application Number | 20050283152 10/870026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35033731 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050283152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lindemann, Gary S. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for retaining screws in a plate
Abstract
A retention system for maintaining a screw to a vertebral plate.
One or more screws extend through apertures within the vertebral
plate. A cavity is positioned adjacent to and overlaps into the
aperture. A ring is positioned within the cavity and held in
position by a cap. The cap attaches to the plate to prevent removal
of the ring. The ring is deflectable between a first shape to allow
the screw to be inserted and removed from the aperture, and a
second shape to prevent screw back-out from the aperture. A method
of using the system is also included and comprises positioning the
ring within a cavity in the plate, maintaining the position of the
ring to the plate by attaching a cap, inserting a screw through the
aperture and attaching the plate to a vertebral member, and
positioning the ring over the screw head and preventing the screw
from backing-out.
Inventors: |
Lindemann, Gary S.;
(Collierville, TN) ; Gause, Larry; (Memphis,
TN) ; Farris, Robert A.; (Cordova, TN) ; Haid,
Regis W. JR.; (Atlanta, GA) ; Papadopoulos,
Steve; (Paradise Valley, AZ) ; Sasso, Rick;
(Carmel, IN) ; Sonntag, Volker; (Phoenix, AZ)
; Traynelis, Vince; (Iowa City, IA) ; Kalfas,
Iain; (Beachwood, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COATS & BENNETT, PLLC
P O BOX 5
RALEIGH
NC
27602
US
|
Family ID: |
35033731 |
Appl. No.: |
10/870026 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/281 ;
606/280; 606/295 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/8042 20130101;
A61B 17/8047 20130101; A61B 17/7059 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/061 ;
606/069 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/70 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A screw retaining system comprising: a plate having an aperture
to receive the screw, the aperture extending between a top surface
and a bottom surface; a cavity extending into the plate from the
top surface, the cavity positioned to overlap into the aperture; an
elastic member positioned within the cavity and changeable between
a first shape to prevent the screw from backing-out of the aperture
and a second shape to allow the screw to back-out of the aperture;
and a cap attached within the cavity to prevent the elastic member
from being removed from the plate; the elastic member extending
outward from the cap and into the aperture in the first shape.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity is located at the
medial section of the plate.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises an upper
ledge sized to position the elastic member and a lower section
between the upper ledge and bottom surface of the plate, the upper
ledge having a width greater than the lower section.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises a flange
positioned on the upper ledge and a plug that attaches within the
lower section to mount the cap to the plate.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the cap is
substantially flush with the top surface of the plate when the
elastic member is mounted to the plate.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic member has a
substantially flat bottom surface.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is
substantially C-shaped having a curved body with a slot formed
between first and second ends.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein a tab on the cap is positioned
within the slot in the elastic member to prevent the elastic member
from rotating within the cavity beyond a predetermined amount.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cap includes an elongated
opening.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the edge of the cap has a curved
surface that aligns with the aperture such that the cap is
positioned away from and does not overlap into the aperture.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is deflected
in the second shape.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity is narrower than the
elastic member in a neutral state causing the elastic member to be
in a pre-load condition in the first shape.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the plate has an elongated shape
to extend over a plurality of vertebral members.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity extends completely
through the plate.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a counterbore
positioned on the bottom surface of the plate to receive ears on a
lower section of the cap.
16. A screw retaining system plate comprising: a plate having an
aperture sized to receive the screw; a cavity extending into the
plate with a counterbore that overlaps into the aperture; an
elastic member positioned within the counterbore and elastically
deflectable to control screw access to the aperture; and a cap
having a flange and a plug, the flange positioned at least
partially over the cavity and the plug positioned through an
interior section of the elastic member and mating with the plate to
attach the cap to the plate.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plug includes ears that are
deformable to mount with sidewalls of the cavity.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the flange has a curved edge
that aligns with the aperture such that the flange does not extend
into the aperture.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the cavity is located at the
medial section of the plate.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the cap has a substantially
T-shape with the plug extending outward from the flange at an angle
of about 90.degree..
21. The system of claim 16, wherein the cap includes an elongated
window through the flange and extending at least partially through
the plug.
22. A screw retaining system comprising: a plate having a cavity
positioned between first and second screw-receiving apertures, the
cavity sized to overlap into the first and second apertures; an
elastic member within the cavity and having a deflectable shape
with a first shape that extends into the first and second apertures
and a second shape away from the first and second apertures; and a
cap attached to the plate and mounted over the cavity, the cap
having a shape positioned away from the first and second apertures;
the elastic member extending outward from the cap in the first
shape and positioned under the cap in the second shape.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the cavity is positioned
between the apertures and the cap has an hourglass shape with
curved edges that align with the apertures.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein a center of the cavity is
positioned along a line formed between centers of the first and
second apertures.
25. The system of claim 22, wherein the cavity includes a
counterbore and a central section, the counterbore extending into
the plate from a top surface of the plate and having a width to
extend into the first and second apertures, and the central section
extending through the plate and positioned away from the first and
second apertures.
26. A screw retaining system comprising: a plate having a cavity
with a counterbore that overlaps into an aperture, the aperture
extending through the plate and the counterbore extending from a
top surface a limited distance into the plate; an elastic member
positioned within the counterbore with a first shape extending into
the aperture and a second shape sized to be away from the aperture;
and a cap attached to the plate and mounted over the cavity, the
cap having a shape positioned away from the aperture; the elastic
member extending from under the cap in the first shape and
positioned under the cap in the second shape.
27. A vertebral plate system comprising: a plate having an
aperture, the aperture extending between a top surface and a bottom
surface; a countebore extending into the plate from the top surface
and having a depth less than the aperture, the counterbore
positioned to overlap into the aperture; an elastic member having a
substantially flat bottom surface and being positioned within the
counterbore and deflectable between first and second shapes; and a
cap attached to the plate to maintain the elastic member within the
counterbore.
28. The system of claim 27, further comprising a screw having a
shelf extending outward from a central axis of the screw, the shelf
being substantially flat to contact the substantially flat bottom
surface of the elastic member when the elastic member is in the
first shape.
29. The system of claim 28, further comprising a spherical radius
adjacent to the shelf and having a maximum width at the shelf and a
minimum width a distance from the shelf closer to an insertion
end.
30. The system of claim 27, wherein the elastic member has a
substantially C-shape with a curved body and first and second ends
that are spaced apart forming a slot.
31. The system of claim 27, wherein the elastic member has a
substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.
32. A plate system comprising: a plate having an aperture, the
aperture extending between a top surface and a bottom surface to
receive a screw; a counterbore extending into the plate from the
top surface and having a depth less than the aperture, the
counterbore positioned to overlap into the aperture; an elastic
member having a substantially flat bottom surface and being
positioned to rest within the counterbore, the elastic member being
deflectable between a first shape that extends into the aperture
and a second shape away from the aperture; and a cap attached to
the plate that extends over at least a portion of the
counterbore.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the cavity and counterbore are
co-axially aligned.
34. A method of mounting a plate to a vertebral member comprising
the steps of: positioning an elastic member within a cavity in the
plate and partially extending the elastic member over an aperture;
placing a cap over the cavity and attaching the cap to the plate to
prevent the elastic member from being removed from the plate;
inserting a screw into the aperture and deflecting the elastic
member away from the aperture; mounting the screw within the
vertebral member to a predetermined position; and returning the
elastic member over the aperture and over the screw to prevent the
screw from backing-out of the aperture.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of returning the
elastic member over the aperture comprises passively returning the
elastic member.
36. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of deflecting the
elastic member comprises moving the elastic member to a position
underneath the cap.
37. The method of claim 34, further comprising inserting a lower
section of the cap into the cavity with the elastic member
extending substantially around the lower section.
38. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of returning the
elastic member over the aperture and over the screw to prevent the
screw from backing-out of the aperture comprises moving a
flat-bottomed section of the elastic member over a substantially
flat section of the screw.
39. A method of mounting a plate comprising the steps of:
positioning an elastic member within a cavity in the plate to
partially extend over an aperture; placing a cap over the cavity
with a flange extending over at least a portion of the elastic
member; inserting a screw into the aperture and deflecting the
elastic member to a position under the flange; inserting the screw
to a predetermined depth relative to the plate; and returning the
elastic member from underneath the flange to extend over the screw
and prevent the screw from backing-out of the aperture.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising extending a plug of
the cap into the cavity to attach the cap to the plate and prevent
the elastic member from being removed from the plate.
41. A method of retaining a screw relative to a plate comprising
the steps of: inserting an elastic member into a cavity in the
plate with the elastic member extending partially over an aperture;
inserting a cap into the cavity and deforming an ear on the cap
into a feature within the plate and attaching the cap to the plate;
inserting a screw into the aperture and deflecting the elastic
member away from the aperture; inserting the screw to a
predetermined depth relative to the plate; and returning the
elastic member to extend over the screw and prevent the screw from
backing-out of the aperture.
42. A method of retaining a screw relative to a plate comprising
the steps of: attaching an elastic member to the plate with a cap
with the elastic member in a first shape that extends over an
aperture; inserting a screw through the aperture in a first
direction and deflecting the elastic member to a second shape;
moving the screw in the first direction and passing a length of the
screw through the aperture; and deflecting the elastic member to a
third shape that extends over the screw and preventing the screw
from moving in a second direction.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the elastic member is the same
size when deflect in the first shape and the third shape.
44. A screw retention system comprising: a plate having a top
surface and a bottom surface; a cavity positioned within the plate
and extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; an
aperture positioned within the plate and extending between the top
surface and the bottom surface; a first counterbore aligned with
the cavity and extending into the plate from the top surface and
overlapping into the aperture, the first counterbore being wider
than the cavity; a second counterbore aligned with the cavity and
extending into the plate from the bottom surface, the second
counterbore being wider than the cavity; an elastic member within
the first counterbore and having a first shape that extends into
the aperture and a second shape away from the aperture; and a cap
extending over at least a section of the elastic member and having
at least one ear positioned in the second counterbore to attach the
cap to the plate.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the first and second
counterbores are each axially-aligned with the cavity.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The human spine is a biomechanical structure consisting of
thirty-three vertebral members and is responsible for protecting
the spinal cord, nerve roots and internal organs of the thorax and
abdomen. The spine also provides structural support for the body
while permitting flexibility of motion. In certain surgical
procedures it is necessary to secure together two or more of the
vertebral members. The procedure may be necessary for example as a
result of physical trauma or degenerative diseases.
[0002] One type of surgical procedure includes attachment of a
vertebral plate to the vertebral members. The vertebral plate is
sized to extend across two or more of the vertebral members. One or
more bone screws extend through apertures in the plate and into the
vertebral members to secure the plate. One issue with the
attachment is the screws may tend to loosen and back-out of the
vertebral members. Screw retention devices may be necessary to
prevent the screw from backing-out of the vertebral members.
[0003] One type of screw retention device utilizes a snap ring that
expands as the screw is inserted into the aperture and then
retracts to a smaller diameter once the screw head has passed the
level of the snap ring. One issue with previous snap ring designs
is the inability to use the rings with a variety of different
screws. These designs may not be effective for both variable angle
and fixed angle screws, or require specialty screws that are design
for only a limited application. Additionally, these previous
designs have needed a larger plate thickness to accommodate the
snap ring. Another issue is the difficultly for the surgeon to
visually see when the lock ring has moved over the top of the screw
once the screw has passed the level of the snap ring. Some designs
also prevent or limit the ability of the surgeon to tactilely feel
the movement of the snap ring as it moves over the top of the
screw. Additionally, some designs interfere with the surgeon's feel
of the screw purchasing within the bone.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention is directed to a system and method of
retaining screws within a vertebral plate and prevent screw
back-out. The invention includes a variety of embodiments, with one
embodiment having a plate with at least one aperture for receiving
a screw. A cavity is positioned within the plate and partially
overlaps into the aperture. A ring is positioned within the cavity
and held in position by a cap. The ring is resilient and changes
shape between an original shape that extends partially over the
aperture, and a deflected shape away from the aperture.
[0005] Methods of retaining the screw are also disclosed. One
method includes positioning a resilient member within a cavity in
the plate such that it partially extends over the aperture. The
next step comprises placing a cap over the cavity and attaching the
cap to the plate to prevent the resilient member from being removed
from the plate. The next step includes inserting a screw into the
aperture and deflecting the resilient member away from the
aperture. The screw is inserted into the vertebral member a
predetermined distance, and the resilient member is returned to its
original shape over the aperture and over the screw to prevent the
screw from backing-out of the aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a partially-exploded front view of the plate with
a ring and cap according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cap according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the cap according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ring
extending over a pair of screws according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ring
extending over a first aperture and being biased inward away from a
second aperture according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ring according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a screw mounted within the
plate according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the plate with caps
mounted within the cavities adjacent to the screw-receiving
apertures according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The present invention is directed to a retention system for
maintaining the position of a screw 70 relative to a vertebral
plate 20. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a vertebral plate 20
having one or more apertures 21. A cavity 22 is positioned adjacent
to and overlaps into the aperture 21. A ring 50 is positioned
within the cavity 22 and held in position by a cap 30. The cap 30
attaches to the plate 20 to prevent removal of the ring 50. The
ring 50 is resilient and changes shape between an original shape
that extends over an aperture 21 to prevent screw back-out, and a
deflected shape that allows insertion and removal of the screw from
the aperture 21 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0015] The plate 20 is sized to extend across one or more vertebral
members 100. Apertures 21 extend through the plate 20 between a top
surface 23 and a bottom surface 24 to receive the bone screws 70.
The apertures 21 may have a variety of sizes and orientations
depending upon the specific application. The cavity 22 is
positioned adjacent to the aperture 21 and includes a counterbore
29 that extends inward into the plate 20 from the top surface 23.
The cavity 22 may extend entirely through the plate 20, or may
extend only a limited distance into the plate 20 from the top
surface 23. A depth that the counterbore 29 extends into the top
surface 23 may likewise vary depending upon the application. The
counterbore 29 may form an upper ledge 25 to accommodate the ring
50 as will be explained later. In one embodiment, the cavity 22 and
counterbore 29 are co-axially aligned and each has a substantially
circular shape. Various other shapes may also be employed and are
contemplated by the present invention. In one embodiment, the
cavity 22 and counterbore 29 are both centered within the medial
plane M of the plate 20. The plate 20 may have both a medial and
lordotic curve to conform to the dimensions of the vertebral
members 100. The cavity 22 may further include elements to assist
with retaining the cap 30. For example, a second counterbore 28 may
be formed in the bottom surface 24 of the plate 20.
[0016] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate front and rear perspective views of
the cap 30 removed from the plate 20. The cap 30 includes a flange
31 and an outwardly extending plug 34. The flange 31 includes an
upper surface 32 and a lower surface 33. When mounted in the plate
20, the flange 31 seats within the counterbore 29 with the upper
surface 32 substantially flush with the top surface 23 of the plate
20. The plug 34 has a width generally corresponding to the size of
the cavity 22. Ears 36 and slots 39 may be positioned at the edge
of the plug 34 opposite the flange 31 and mate with the lower
counterbore 28.
[0017] A window 37 may be formed in the plug 34 and provide a
contact point for grasping and manipulating the cap 30 and/or plate
20 during a surgical procedure. The window 37 may also be used for
location and orientation of surgical instruments, such as plate
holders, drills, taps, and screw guides. The window 37 may extend
through the entire cap 30, or may extend only a limited distance
inward from the upper surface 32 of the flange 31. The window 37
may have a shape to allow medial alignment of the plate 20, such as
the oval shape illustrated in the Figures.
[0018] The cap 30 is attached to the plate 20 and maintains the
ring 50 within the cavity 22. A variety of means may be used for
attaching the cap 30 to the plate 20, including for example,
interference fit, snap fit, staking, and swaging. In one
embodiment, the cap 30 has external threads along the plug 34 that
mate with threads on the inner wall of the cavity 22. The cap 30
may also be attached via a removable or non-removable fastener,
such as screw, rivet, and the like. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one
method of attaching the cap 30 to the plate 20. The external
features of the plug 34 are sized to contact the sidewall of the
cavity 22 and provide an interference fit. Additionally, the ears
36 extend outward into the lower counterbore 28 to further secure
the cap 30. The ears 36 may be deformed into the lower counterbore
28 during the manufacturing process or alternatively by the surgeon
or other medical personnel prior to or during the surgery. In one
specific embodiment, the ears 36 are grasped by a tool and bent
outward away from the cavity thus enlarging the width and
preventing the cap 30 from being removed from the plate 20. In
another embodiment, the cap 30 is constructed of a resilient
material. When inserted into the cavity 22, the ears 36 resiliently
rebound outward into the counterbore 28. The position of the ears
36 within the counterbore 28 are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Ears
36A illustrate the mounting of the adjacent upper cap 30 (i.e., the
cap 30 positioned adjacent to the cross-sectionally cut middle cap
30). In these embodiments, the cap 30 may be retained by only the
interference fit, only the deformed ears 36, or by both.
[0019] The ring 50 is positioned within the cavity 22 to prevent
back-out of the screw 70. The ring 50 is constructed of a resilient
spring material that is elastic and deflectable between an original
shape when mounted in the cavity 22 that extends outward into the
aperture 21, and a deflected state away from the aperture 21 to
allow removal and insertion of the screw 70 relative to the
aperture 21. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the ring 50
having a substantially circular shape with inner and outer
diameters and a compression slot 51 formed between first and second
ends 52, 53. Ring 50 has upper and lower surfaces with the lower
surface positioned towards the upper ledge 25 of the counterbore
29. In one embodiment, the lower surface is substantially flat to
contact the screw 70 when the ring 50 extends into the aperture 21.
FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of ring 50 having a rectangular
cross-sectional shape. Another embodiment features a triangular
cross-sectional shape.
[0020] The ring 50 may be constructed of a material having elastic
properties. In one embodiment, the ring 50 is made of a
Nickel-Titanium alloy that is heat treated to achieve superelastic
properties when exposed to a temperature range within the human
body. The ring 50 may also be constructed of other materials, for
example, peek, titanium, or stainless steel. The term "ring" is
used broadly herein to refer to the member positioned within the
cavity. It is understood that the member may have a variety of
different shapes and sizes.
[0021] In one embodiment, the diameter of the counterbore 29 is
less than an outer diameter of the ring 50. This causes the ring 50
to be pre-loaded in the original shape when seated in the
counterbore 29. The pre-loaded condition causes the compression
slot 51 to be reduced and gives the ring 50 additional expansion
force to extend outward over the aperture 21. The amount of
deflection of the ring 30 may vary depending upon the application.
Deflection may occur on one side of the ring 30, or on both sides
such as would occur in an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4,
and 5 as both screws 70 were being inserted.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the screw 70 and
includes a head 71, shelf 72, spherical radius 73 and shaft 74. The
shelf 72 extends outward beyond the head 71 and provides a platform
for receiving the ring 50. The shelf 72 may be substantially flat
to provide a good contacting surface for the flat surface of the
ring 50. The spherical radius 73 has a maximum width at the shelf
72 and reduces to a minimum width at the shaft 74.
[0023] FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 illustrate one embodiment of the invention
having a cavity 22 positioned between and overlapping into two
apertures 21. Each of the apertures 21 and cavities 22 has a
substantially circular shape with the cavity 22 having a
counterbore 29 that overlaps into the apertures. The ring 50 has an
original shape that extends outward and overlaps into the apertures
21, and a deflected shape in a non-overlapping position away from
the aperture 21. In one embodiment, the ring 50 is in the original
shape prior to screw insertion, and after the screw 70 has been
inserted into the aperture 21 and the shelf 72 passes below the
level of the ring 50. FIG. 4 illustrates the ring 50 in the
original shape where the shelf 72 is below the level of the ring
50. The resilient nature of the ring 50 causes it to return toward
the original shape and extend over the shelf 72. The ring 50
position prior to screw insertion is illustrated within the middle
cavity 22 and apertures 21 of the plate 20 in FIG. 1.
[0024] The insertion and removal of the screw 70 from the aperture
21 causes the ring 50 to deflect and move away from the aperture
21. One example is illustrated within the left screw 70 illustrated
in FIG. 5. The force of the insertion or removal deflects the ring
50 inward from the aperture 21 and further into the counterbore
29.
[0025] The ring 50 overlaps into the apertures 21 a distance once
the screw 70 has been inserted to prevent back-out of the screw 70.
In one embodiment, the ring 50 extends outward beyond the edge of
the cap flange 31 to allow visual confirmation of the position by a
surgeon. This may further be assisted by coloring the ring 50 and
screw 70 with contrasting colors to make it easier to visually
observe the relative position of these elements.
[0026] The cap flange 31 may have a shape that conforms to the
adjacent aperture 21 and prevents the flange 31 from extending over
the aperture 21 when the cap 30 is mounted to the plate 20. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flange 31 has curved edges 38
that conform to the outer circumference of the aperture 21.
Therefore, the flange 31 does not overlap into the aperture 21
while still allowing the ring 50 to overlap into the aperture
21.
[0027] The ring 50 is positioned in the space created between the
cap 30 and cavity 21. In one embodiment, both the cap 30 and ring
50 are co-axially aligned within the cavity 22. As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3, a tab 35 extends outward from the cap 30 to fit
within the ring slot 51 and prevent rotation of the ring 50.
[0028] The tab 35 includes first and second edges that are
distanced apart to fit within the slot 51 of the ring 50. This
prevents rotation of the ring 50 to a position where the slot 51 is
over the aperture 21 and potentially allows the screw 70 to
back-out. Tab 35 seats against the upper ledge 25 of the
counterbore 29 when the cap 30 is in the cavity 22.
[0029] As the screw 70 is inserted into the aperture 21, the
spherical radius 73 contacts the ring 50 and deflects it away from
the aperture 21. As the insertion of the screw 70 continues, the
ring 50 is further deflected from its original shape and away from
the aperture 21. After insertion has progressed beyond the point
where the spherical radius 73 is below ring 50, the ring 50 returns
towards the original shape to extend over the shelf 72. The
snapping action of the ring 50 extending over the shelf 72 may be
tactilely detected by the surgeon and provide assurance that the
ring 50 is seated over the screw 70 to prevent back-out. The
elastic property of the ring 50 causes a snapping action as the
screw passes and does not require the surgeon to proactively engage
the ring 50.
[0030] Another embodiment of the device includes the ring 50
attached to the cap 30. The ring 50 and cap 30 combination may be a
single integral piece, or the ring 50 may be a separate piece that
is fixedly attached to the cap 30. In these embodiments, the
combination positions the ring 50 over the apertures 21 in the
original shape and allows the ring 50 to be deflected upon screw 70
insertion and removal.
[0031] The original shape of the ring 50 is positioned to extend
over one or more apertures 21. This original shape may not be the
neutral position of the ring 50. By way of example, the shape of
the ring 50 may be constrained by the counterbore 29 and have a
smaller outer width than if the ring 50 were more freely positioned
within a larger space. Additionally, the ring 50 may be in a more
deflected state when it returns over the aperture 21 after
insertion of the screw 70. In one instance, screw 70 is in the
original shape and extends over the aperture 21 a first amount.
During screw 70 insertion, ring 50 deflects away from the aperture
21 to a second shape. After screw 70 insertion, ring 50 snaps back
over the screw 70 to a third shape. This third shape may be the
same as the original shape, or may be different depending on the
position and size of the screw. By way of example, the ring 50 may
contact the screw head 71 in the third shape and prevent the ring
50 from fully returning to its original shape.
[0032] The ring 50 may further deflect along a single side, or
along more than one side. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1,
4, and 5, ring 50 extends into two apertures 21 and therefore can
be deflected along two separate sides as screws 70 are inserted
into the respective apertures 21. In another embodiment where the
ring 50 extends only into a single aperture 21, the ring 50 will
deflect along a single side.
[0033] The term vertebral member is used generally to describe the
vertebral geometry comprising the vertebral body, pedicles, lamina,
and processes. The device may be sized and shaped, and have
adequate strength requirements to be used within the different
regions of the vertebra including the cervical, thoracic, and
lumbar regions.
[0034] FIG. 1 is included in part to illustrate the relative
positioning of the plate 20, ring 50, and cap 30. Neither a cap 30
or ring 50 are attached to the upper cavity 22 to illustrate the
position of the cavity 22 and counterbore 29 relative to the
adjacent apertures 21. A cap 30 and ring 50 are mounted in the
middle cavity to illustrate the ring 50 extending outward into the
adjacent apertures 21 when there are no screws 70. The lower cavity
22 illustrates the cap 30 and ring 50 in an exploded view.
[0035] The present invention may be carried out in other specific
ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope
and essential characteristics of the invention. The ring 50 may
also have a circular, oval, or elongated cross-sectional shape. In
one embodiment, the ears 36 are positioned within the lower
counterbore 28 and are either flush or recessed within the bottom
surface 24 of the plate so as not to interfere with positioning on
the vertebral member 100. In one embodiment, the ring 50 extends
over the screw head 71 to prevent screw back-out. In this
embodiment, the screw 70 may or may not include a shelf 72 and
spherical radius 73. In one embodiment, the plug 34 and flange 31
form an angle of about 90.degree.. The retaining system has been
discussed in the context of a vertebral plate, however, the system
is also applicable to other applications in the body using plates
and attachment screws. In one embodiment where the cavity 22 is
positioned between two apertures 21, a center of the cavity 22 is
positioned along a line formed between the centers of the two
apertures 21. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and
all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the
appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
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